2. Enable Additional Drivers

Ubuntu works well with most modern hardware out of the box, but you may want to enable third-party drivers to get the best performance.

This is a must if you’re looking to play games from Steam; watch high-definition video; or just generally want a more peppy-feeling and responsive desktop.

Some WiFi Cards also require ‘proprietary’ drivers to function properly.

But you don’t need to take to the web to hunt down drivers. Just open the Software Sources app via the Dash (or through System Settings) and click the ‘Additional Drivers‘ tab to see what’s available for your device.

3. Enable Music & Video Playback

For legal reasons Ubuntu isn’t able to play certain music and film formats by default.

The good news is that installing what’s needed to enable this is a just a click or so away.

If you’re reading this before installing Ubuntu then check the ’Enable Restricted Formats’ box during initial set-up.

If you’re reading after install, no worries – just hit the button below to install the most commonly used audio and video codecs.

4. Add & Manage Your Online Accounts

Ubuntu comes with a centralised hub for your online accounts. Rather than having to manually enter log-in details for every app, you just add it once to ‘Online Accounts’ so other applications can use the data securely.

A new feature in Ubuntu 13.04 lets you choose which applications can use which online account. Don’t want Empathy to login to Facebook Chat? Switch it off. Fed up of your Google Docs in the Dash? Disable it.

Apps that ‘hook in’ to Online Accounts include Ubuntu’s instant messaging app Empathy; the new Social lens; and photo manager Shotwell.

5. Install Your Favourite Apps

Ubuntu comes pre-installed with a wide selection of software – including a fully-featured office suite, music and video apps, web-browser, etc.

But one-size doesn’t fit all; there may be another app you prefer using or need. Just open the Ubuntu Software Center to browse and install thousands of free applications, including popular choices like:

Chromium – Open-source version of Google Chrome web-browser

GIMP – Free Photoshop alternative

Skype – Instant Messaging & Video Chat App

Hotot – Desktop twitter app

VLC – Popular media player

6. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

To speed up your workflow the Unity Dash offers you an overview of your recent application and file activity. Handy, for sure, but there might be files, folders or activities that you don’t want tracked.

Along with an “Off” switch, the Privacy options available in the System Settings lets you choose what content is logged and what isn’t. Further more it offers up buttons to ‘clear’ data from given periods.

The good news is that feature can be switched off with a click, so there’s no need to avoid using Ubuntu altogether.

Open the Privacy pane of System Settings and set the ‘Include Online Search Results’ toggle to ‘Off’.

Be aware that switching this ‘off’ will also affect other lenses that require an internet connection – including the Music lens and Social lens.

Our tip? If you want to keep everything else working, but don’t want Amazon result, just open the Ubuntu Software Center, search for ‘shopping lens’ to find it, then hit the ‘remove’ button to uninstall it permanently.

9. Set up Ubuntu One

If you’ve not heard of Ubuntu One by now then you’re missing out! It’s a free cloud-storage service available for everyone. You get 5GB of space for free in-which to store files, photos, music and more.

There are apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X, so no-matter what computer you’re on you can have your life in sync and in reach wherever you are or whatever you’re doing.

To get started hit the ‘Ubuntu One’ icon on the Launcher and follow the prompts that appear.

If you already have an Ubuntu One account then hit the ‘Sign In’ button to start syncing your files to your new desktop.

10. Spread The Word

This item on our to-do list is a little cheesy, but it’s an important one: If you like what you see, and find Ubuntu 13.04 useful then put sharing word of it on your to-do list.

Whether you just post about it on Twitter, Facebook or Google+, or actively burn a LiveDVD for a family member to try out, you’ll be not only helping others explore their options, but you’ll also be helping Ubuntu.

Don’t forget to enjoy using it, too. Go Check your Facebook or Google+ profile; chat to your mates on Empathy; type up a letter in LibreOffice or find some awesome cat videos in the Unity Video Lens.